Bsun Guyu vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Guyu and the KTT Phalaenopsis offer distinct experiences for typing enthusiasts. The Guyu, a linear switch, stands out for its unique auditory experience with all-POM housings and a long pole stem that creates a bright and crisp bottom-out sound. Its medium weight and super-smooth keystrokes make typing effortless and enjoyable, offering a balance of depth and clarity for a satisfying typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis, a tactile switch, boasts beautiful translucent keys with a light actuation force of 37g, minimizing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. With a tactile force of 50g, each keystroke provides a satisfying bump, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the Guyu is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy', the Phalaenopsis is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Stepped', and 'Thocky'. While these general descriptions can help guide your decision, it's essential to delve deeper into the specific features of each switch to determine which one best suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Bsun Guyu and the KTT Phalaenopsis have distinct differences in their housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Guyu utilizes POM for both top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis employs polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind.
While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, the choice between POM and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired sound characteristics. The Guyu's POM housing creates a more laid-back and mellow sound, while the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate housing delivers a more vibrant and sharp sound. Users looking for a switch with a deeper tone may lean towards the Guyu, while those seeking a crisper sound may prefer the Phalaenopsis. In either case, the quality of the housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
In terms of construction, the split between different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch can result in a unique typing experience. The characteristics of the bottom housing, whether POM or polycarbonate, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Conversely, the qualities of the top housing will have a more pronounced impact on the sound when a key is released. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall sound profile can help users make informed decisions when selecting a switch that best suits their preferences and typing style.
Weight
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force compared to the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, with 45 grams required to trigger a keystroke versus 37 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a consistent feel when fully pressed. The Guyu may be preferred by those who enjoy a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience, while the Phalaenopsis may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the difference in actuation force being the main distinguishing factor between the two. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Guyu offers a shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis provides a longer travel distance, which may better suit those who prefer a deeper key press sensation. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Guyu being slightly shorter than average and the Phalaenopsis being closer to the standard 4 mm. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Guyu has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Guyu for $3.70.
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Bsun Guyu linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, which produces a sharp and percussive sound when pressed, thanks to the all-POM housing and long pole stem. This contrastingly complements the smooth and effortless keystrokes provided by the UPE stem, creating a unique auditory experience that combines depth and clarity. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, with a tactile bump providing a satisfying and discernible feedback during typing. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities, with the Guyu leaning towards a crisper bottom-out sound, while the Phalaenopsis delivers a richer and deeper tone.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Guyu switch is characterized by its creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless glide with every keystroke. The silky sensation of the switch enhances the overall typing feel, making it a delight to type on for extended periods. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch features a stepped tactile feedback, providing a two-stage typing experience with pre-travel and post-travel sensations. This unique tactile feel enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke more deliberate and satisfying. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Guyu focusing on a smooth and polished feel, while the Phalaenopsis provides a more stepped and deliberate feedback.
In conclusion, the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Guyu excels in providing a clacky sound and a creamy, frictionless feel, while the Phalaenopsis stands out with its bassy sound and stepped tactile feedback. Both switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. Depending on the desired sound and feel, users can choose between the brighter and smoother Guyu switch or the richer and more deliberate Phalaenopsis switch to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Guyu linear switch or the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a unique auditory experience with a bright and crisp sound, along with smooth keystrokes and medium weight, the Guyu switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer effortless typing with a light actuation force, discernible tactile bump, and reduced finger fatigue, the Phalaenopsis switch could be the better choice. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch as well, such as the clacky and creamy feel of the Guyu versus the bassy and stepped feel of the Phalaenopsis. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what will enhance your typing experience and cater to your preferences. Choose wisely and enjoy your mechanical keyboard journey!
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